Portable putting green

ABSTRACT

A practice putting device that includes a putting mat, a housing, and ball return arrangement.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present disclosure claims priority on U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/311,266 filed Feb. 17, 2022, which is incorporated herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to golfing devices, and more particularly to a portable putting device. The portable putting device includes a putting mat and a ball return arrangement. In one non-limiting arrangement, the portable putting device includes a foldable putting surface and a rotating ball return arrangement.

BACKGROUND OF DISCLOSURE

There are known putting practice devices which are constructed so that a mat is folded or rolled and is then stored in a vinyl or fabric bag or in a box-shaped case. Such putting practice devices are disadvantageous in that the devices are typically inconvenient to store and assemble and typically require the user to retrieve the golf balls after being putted. Some of these devices also include guardrails on the side of the mat to prevent the golf ball from leaving the mat. However, such mats are generally difficult to store and the guardrail commonly becomes damaged after the mat has been disassembled and reassembled multiple times.

In view of the current state of the art of practice putting devices, there is a need for a practice putting device that is easy to store and assemble for use, which does not damage the mat after multiple storages, and has a ball return arrangement that does not require the user to retrieve a golf ball after each put.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure overcome the past deficiencies of prior art portable putting green devices by disclosing a practice putting device that is easy to store and assembly for use, which does not damage the putting mat after multiple storages, and has a ball return arrangement that does not require the user to retrieve a golf ball after each put.

In one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a practice putting device in accordance with the present disclosure includes a putting mat, a housing, and ball return arrangement. The putting mat can be formed of any type of flexible material (e.g., fabric, plastic, rubber, polyurethane foam, PVC, etc.). The putting mat is configured to be rolled and unroller multiples times without damaging the putting mat. The housing can be formed of any durable material (e.g., metal, plastic, wood, composite material, fiber reinforced material, etc.) and include any color. The length and width of the putting mat is non-limiting. In one non-limiting embodiment, the length of the putting mat is generally 3-15 feet (and all values and ranges therebetween), and typically 4-10 feet. In another non-limiting embodiment, the width of the putting mat is generally 0.4-3 feet (and all values and ranges therebetween), and typically 0.5-1.5 feet. The thickness of the putting mat is generally 0.05-0.75 inches (and all values and ranges therebetween), and typically 01-0.4 inches. Generally, the thickness along the 70-100% of the longitudinal length (and all values and ranges therebetween) of the putting mat and 70-100% of the width (and all values and ranges therebetween) of the putting mat remains constant; however, this is not required. In one non-limiting embodiment, the thickness along the 85-100% of the longitudinal length of the putting mat and 85-100% of the width of the putting mat remains constant. In another non-limiting embodiment, the longitudinal sides along the longitudinal length of the putting mat are generally parallel to one another along 70-100% of the longitudinal length (and all values and ranges therebetween) of the putting mat. In another non-limiting embodiment, the longitudinal sides along the longitudinal length of the putting mat are generally parallel to one another along 85-100% of the longitudinal length of the putting mat. In non-limiting embodiment, the thickness of the putting mat along the longitudinal length of the putting mat is generally constant along 70-100% of the longitudinal length (and all values and ranges therebetween) of the putting mat. In non-limiting embodiment, the thickness of the putting mat along the longitudinal length of the putting mat is generally constant along 85-100% of the longitudinal length of the putting mat.

In another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a putting mat wherein the top surface of the putting mat can optionally include a texture that simulates the surface of a putting green. In another non-limiting embodiment, the top surface of the putting mat can optionally include one or more colors, images, designs, etc. to enhance the visual appeal of the putting mat. For example, the top surface of the putting mat can include one or more bright colors, images of superheroes, animals, cartoon figures, etc. to appeal to a younger user. In another example, the top of the putting mat can include college colors and/or emblems, names of famous golf courses, names of famous golf players, emblems or other symbols of famous golf courses, etc. to appear to various users.

In another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a putting mat wherein the top surface of the putting mat can optionally include markings to provide information to the user when practice putting. Such marking can include distance markings, one or more lines along the longitudinal length of the putting mat to inform a user how straight the putted golf ball travels along the putting mat, markings to indicate one or more targets on the putting mat, etc. In one non-limiting embodiment, the top surface includes one or more of the following markings: a) distance markings and/or numbering to indicate the distance from the golf hole opening at the end portion of the putting mat, b) two parallel lines that are equal spaced from the center longitudinal axis of the putting mat, and/or c) a center line along the center longitudinal axis of the putting mat. In one non-limiting embodiment, the putting mat includes multiple distance markings. Such distance marks can include numeric marking and/or line markings. In one non-limiting arrangement, numeric markings (e.g., 1, 2, 3, etc.) are located on one or both side edge portions of the putting mat that indicates the distance in feet, meters, and/or inches the distance of the mat from the golf hole opening. In another non-limiting arrangement, line markings are located on one or both side edge portions of the putting mat that indicate the distance in feet, meters, and/or inches the distance on the mat from the golf hole opening.

In another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a putting mat wherein the one or both side edges includes a plurality of edge rails that are used to 1) facilitate in the folding of the putting mat, 2) facilitate in forming a flat putting surface when the putting mat is in the open and fully installed arrangement, and/or 3) facilitates in limiting the movement of the putting mat on a floor surface when the putting mat is in the open and fully installed arrangement. In one non-limiting embodiment, the two or more edge rails that are positioned on a side edge of the putting mat are spaced from one another so as to facilitate in the folding of the putting mat between two adjacently positioned edge rails. The spacing of the adjacently positioned edge rails from one another is non-limiting. In one non-limiting arrangement, the spacing of the adjacently positioned edge rails from one another is about 0.05-2 inches (and all values and ranges therebetween), and typically about 0.1-1 inch. The spacing of the adjacently positioned edge rails along a side edge of the putting mat can be the same or different. The width of the edge rails is generally less than 15% (e.g., 0.01-15% and all values and ranges therebetween) the width of the putting mat, and typically 0.2-5% the width of the putting mat. The cross-sectional shape and/or size of the edge rail can be constant or vary along a longitudinal length of the edge rail. In one non-limiting arrangement, the cross-sectional shape and size of the edge rail is constant along a longitudinal length of one or more or all of the edge rails. The material used to form the edge rail is non-limiting (e.g., plastic, metal, wood, glass, ceramic, composite material, etc.). In one non-limiting arrangement, the material used to form the edge rails is a different material from the material used to form at least 50% (e.g., 50-100% and all values and ranges therebetween) of the putting mat. In another non-limiting arrangement, the material used to form the edge rails is not a rollable or foldable material. In another non-limiting arrangement, the material used to form the edge rails is less flexable and less bendable than the material used to form the putting mat. In another non-limiting arrangement both side edges putting mat include a plurality of edge rails. In one non-limiting arrangement, each side of the putting mat includes the same number of edge rails. In another non-limiting arrangement, each side of the putting mat includes the same number of edge rails, the longitudinal length of the edge rails on each side of the putting mat are the same, and the positioning of the edge rails on each side of the putting mat are the same such that the edge rails are positioned opposite from one another along the longitudinal length of the putting mat. In such an edge rail arrangement, sections of the putting mat can be folded at the region between the spacing of the edge rails and then stacked upon one another so as to position the putting mat in storage position.

In another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a putting mat wherein the front-end portion of the putting mat can optionally include a weighted device secured to the putting mat to facilitate in maintaining the flatness of the putting mat at the front end of the putting mat after the putting mat is in the open and fully installed arrangement. In one non-limiting embodiment, the weighted device can be formed of a metal, plastic, composite, wood, glass, ceramic, composite material, etc. that is secure to the front edge of the putting mat. The weighted device can be formed of one or more pieces and generally has a total length that extends 60-100% of the width (and all values and ranges therebetween) of the putting mat. In another non-limiting embodiment, the weighted device is formed of a different material from the putting mat. In another non-limiting embodiment, the weighted device can be connected to the putting mat by adhesive, clamp arrangement, melted seam, etc. The weighted device generally has a length along the longitudinal axis of the putting mat that is no more than 10% (e.g., 0.0001-10% and all values and ranges therebetween) of the longitudinal length of the putting mat, typically the weighted device generally has a length along the longitudinal axis of the putting mat that is less than 5% of the longitudinal length of the putting mat, more typically 0.0001-2% (and all values and ranges therebetween) of the longitudinal length of the putting mat. In another non-limiting embodiment, the weighted device can optionally include a connection arrangement (e.g., adhesive strip, hook and loop fastener, etc.) on the bottom surface of the weighted device to facilitate in releasably securing the bottom surface of the weighted device to a floor surface (e.g., carpet, tile floor, wood floor, ceramic floor, vinyl floor, etc.). In another non-limiting embodiment, the weighted device can include a size that allows at least a portion of the top surface of the weighted device can support golf balls prior to the placing of the golf balls on the putting mat for practice putting.

In another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a practice putting device wherein the housing is configured to enable the rear end portion of the putting mat to be connected to the housing. The putting mat can be permanently or removable connected to the housing. The size and materials of the housing are non-limiting. Generally, the housing has a maximum width and/or length of 5-30 inches (and all values and ranges therebetween). Generally, the housing has a size, shape and weight that makes is easily portable by an individual (e.g., can be lifted and carried by a single hand of a user). Generally, the weight of the housing is less than 20 lbs. (e.g., 0.5-20 lbs. and all values and ranges therebetween), and typically 0.5-5 lbs. Generally, the volume of the housing is less than 6500 in.³ (e.g., 10-6500 in.³ and all values and ranges therebetween), and typically 1000-2800 in.³.

In another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a practice putting device wherein the housing includes a first side panel, a second side panel, an optional ramp, an optional back panel, and an optional spacer. The housing can be configured to be partially or fully disassembled when the practice putting device is to be stored; however, this is not required. The materials used to form one or more components of the housing are non-limiting (e.g., plastic, metal, wood, glass, ceramic, composite material, etc.). In one non-limiting embodiment, the inner surface of the first and second side panels include one or more ramp supports to support a ramp that is positioned between the first and side panels when the housing is fully assemble. In another non-limiting embodiment, the back panel and/or one or more spacers are configured to be connected to the first and second side panels to provide support and rigidity to the housing when the housing is fully assemble.

In another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a practice putting device wherein the ramp includes a flat mount surface wherein an end portion of the putting mat is supported thereon when secured to the housing. In one non-limiting embodiment, the end portion of the putting matt can be permanently connected or removably connected to the ramp and/or other portion of the housing. The type of connection is non-limiting (e.g., adhesive, clamp arrangement, screws, rivet, staples, etc.). The ramp generally has a width that extends 80-100% (and all values and ranges therebetween) the width between the inner surface of the first and second side panels when the housing is fully assembled. In one non-limiting arrangement, the sides of the ramp and/or the bottom surface of the edges of the ramp are connected and/or supported by first and second side panel when the housing is fully assembled. In another non-limiting embodiment, the ramp includes an opening that is configured to allow a golf ball to pass therethrough. When the putting mat is secured to the housing and/or ramp, the opening in the putting mat overlies and/or encircles the opening in the ramp. As can be appreciated, the size and/or shape of the opening in the putting mat and the opening in the ramp can be the same; however, this is not required. In one non-limiting embodiment, the opening in the putting mat and/or the ramp is configured to receive a golf ball. The opening can be designed as a target for a user when putting. The opening can optionally be used to allow a golf ball that passes through to pass into a ball well of the housing; however, this is not required.

In another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a practice putting device wherein the back end of the putting mat and/or the back end of the ramp can form a rear a ball ledge that allows a ball that rolls past the ball ledge to optionally fall into a ball well; however, this is not required. In one non-limiting embodiment, the ramp can be spaced from the inner surface of the back panel of the housing such that a golf ball can drop between the back end of the ramp and the inner surface of the back panel.

In another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a practice putting device wherein the housing includes a ball well that is configured to receive a golf ball that has moved past the back end on the putting mat or a golf ball that has fallen through an optional golf ball opening that is located at or near the back-end portion of the putting mat. The ball well can be configured to retain golf balls that have fallen into the ball well, or the ball well can be configured to feed a ball that has fallen into the ball well to a ball return arrangement of the practice putting device. The configuration of the ball well is non-limiting. In one non-limiting embodiment, the ball well is formed by the inner surface of the first and second side panels, the inner surface of the optional back panel and a base plate. In another non-limiting embodiment, the ball well can include a bottom sloped surface to cause a ball that has fallen into the well to roll away from the second side panel and toward the first side panel; however, this is not required. In one non-limiting arrangement, the base plate can have a configuration and/or be mounted between the first and second side panels so as to a ball that has fallen into the well and on to a top surface of the base plate to roll away from the second side panel and toward the first side panel; however, this is not required.

In another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a practice putting device that includes a ball return arrangement configured to cause a golf ball that has moved onto the housing and/or into a ball well to be partially or fully returned to a user that is located at or near a front portion of the putting mat. In one non-limiting embodiment, the ramp has an upward angled orientation when the housing is fully assembled and the putting mat is secured to the housing. Such upward angled orientation causes the rear end portion of the putting mat that is positioned on and/or secured to the ramp to also have an upward angled orientation. In such a configuration, when the golf ball is caused to roll partially up the angled end portion of the putting mat, but the golf ball does not pass through the opening in the putting mat or pass over the back end of the putting mat and fall into the ball well, the golf ball is caused to roll downwardly on the sloped region of the putting mat by the force of gravity and cause the golf ball to be partially or fully fed back to the front end of the putting mat. The angle of slope is non-limiting (e.g., 1-60° slope and all values and ranges therebetween).

In another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a practice putting device wherein the housing includes a ball lift return arrangement for golf balls that have fallen into the ball well (e.g., pass through the opening in the putting mat and falls into the ball well, the golf ball moves off the back end of the putting matt and into the ball well, etc.). In one non-limiting arrangement, the ball well is configured to capture all golf balls that pass through the opening in the putting mat and fall into the ball well, and/or all the golf balls that move off the back end of the putting matt and into the ball well. The ball well can be configured to include one or more sloping surfaces at the base of the ball well and/or include one or more ramped and/or sloped structures in the base of the ball well to cause a golf ball that falls into the ball well to move toward the ball lift return arrangement. In one non-limiting arrangement, the bottom portion of the ball well is partially for fully formed of a base plate wherein all or a portion of the top surface of the base plate slope toward the ball lift return arrangement. The angle of slope on the top surface of the base plate is non-limiting (e.g., 1-60° slope and all values and ranges therebetween). In one non-limiting arrangement, the ball well is configured to cause a golf ball that falls within the ball well to move toward the first side panel and away from the second side panel. In another non-limiting embodiment, the base plate includes a ball channel that is configured to feed a golf ball to a bottom feed opening in the ball lift return arrangement. The shape of the ball channel is non-limiting. In one non-limiting arrangement, the average width or maximum width of the ball channel is at least 10% (e.g., 10-150% and all values and ranges therebetween) the width of the golf ball (e.g., 1.5-1.75 inches in diameter and all values and ranges therebetween; 1.62 inches; 1.68 inches, etc.), and the average depth or maximum depth of the ball channel is least 10% (e.g., 10-150% and all values and ranges therebetween) the width of the golf ball. In one non-limiting embodiment, the depth of the ball channel varies along the longitudinal length of the ball channel; however, this is not required. In another non-limiting embodiment, the width of the ball channel is constant along 40-100% (and all values and ranges therebetween) the longitudinal length of the ball channel; however, this is not required. In another non-limiting embodiment, the ball channel has a straight portion along 55-95% (and all values and ranges therebetween) the longitudinal length of the ball channel, and a curved portion along 5-45% (and all values and ranges therebetween) the longitudinal length of the ball channel; however, this is not required.

In another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a practice putting device wherein a portion or all of the ball lift return arrangement is connected to the first side panel of the housing. The type of connection is non-limiting (e.g., adhesive, clamp arrangement, screws, rivet, staples, slot connection, bracket connection, etc.). In one non-limiting embodiment, a portion or all of the ball lift return arrangement is connected to an inner surface of the first side panel of the housing. In one non-limiting embodiment, the ball lift return arrangement includes a ball lift, a motor, a power source, and optional sensor and/or activation arrangement. In one non-limiting embodiment, the ball lift is configured to lift a golf from the ball well and deposit the golf ball onto a top surface of the putting mat that is located on the ramp. In another non-limiting embodiment, the motor is configured to cause rotation of the ball lift. In one non-limiting arrangement, the motor is an electric motor. In another non-limiting arrangement, one or gears, belts, screw drives, etc. can be used with the motor to facilitate in the rotation of the ball lift. In another non-limiting embodiment, the power source is configured to power the motor. In one non-limiting arrangement, the power source can include one or more batteries (e.g., chemical battery, solar cell, etc.), a power cord that supplies power from a power outlet, power generator, etc. In another non-limiting embodiment, the optional sensor and/or activation arrangement is configured to activate and/or deactivate the motor. In one non-limiting arrangement, the activation arrangement includes a manual switch that allows the user to manually turn the motor off and/or on. In another non-limiting arrangement, the activation arrangement includes a remote control switch that can receive a wireless signal from a remote control, smart phone, computer, smart device, etc. to allow a user to turn the motor off and/or on. In another non-limiting arrangement, the sensor arrangement is configured to detect a) if a golf ball has fallen through the golf hole opening in the putting mat, b) fallen into the ball well, c) contacted the base plate, and/or d) is rolling toward or has rolled into the ball lift; and upon detection of any one of a-d events, causes the motor to be activated. In another non-limiting arrangement, the sensor arrangement can include one or more of a motion sensor, weight sensor, movable leveler, pressure switch, contact switch, optical sensor, sound sensor, vibration sensor, etc. In another non-limiting embodiment, there is provided a motor operation limiter to terminate power to the motor or otherwise stop the motor from further rotating the ball lift after a) a certain amount of time of operation of the motor after activation (e.g., 1 second to 5 minutes and all values and ranges therebetween, at least 1 second; 5-30 seconds, etc.), and/or b) the ball lift has rotated a certain amount (e.g., 0.25-20 rotations and all values a ranges therebetween; at least 0.3 rotations, 0.3-5 rotations, etc.).

In another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a practice putting device wherein the ball lift includes a return opening that allows the golf ball to move from the ball well and into a portion of the ball lift. In one non-limiting arrangement, the return opening is located on the side face of the ball lift. In another non-limiting arrangement, the side of the return opening is greater than the size of a golf ball such that the golf ball can pass through the return opening. In another non-limiting embodiment, the ball lift is elevated above a floor surface when the housing full assembled is positioned on the floor surface. In another non-limiting arrangement, the return opening is located at the base of the ball lift when the housing is fully assembled and the ball lift is connected to the housing. In one non-limiting arrangement, the ball lift is elevated at least 0.1 inches (e.g., 0.1-10 inches and all values and ranges therebetween) above the floor surface when the housing is fully assembled and positioned on the floor surface. In another non-limiting embodiment, at least a portion of the ball well forms a downward sloped ramped portion to cause the golf ball to roll downwardly toward the return opening in the ball lift and to facilitate in causing the golf ball to pass through the return opening and into at least a portion of the ball lift. The angle of slope of the ball well is non-limiting (e.g., 1-60° slope and all values and ranges therebetween).

In another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a practice putting device wherein the ball lift includes one of more lift arrangements that are each configured to receive a golf ball that has passed through the return opening and to carry a golf ball up to or above a top surface of the putting mat and thereafter allow the golf ball to exit the lift arrangement and roll onto a top surface of the back portion of the putting mat. In one non-limiting embodiment, the ball lift includes a plurality of lift arrangement (e.g., 2-10 and all values and ranges therebetween). In another non-limiting embodiment, the ball lift is in the form of a wheel that can rotate relative to the housing. In another non-limiting embodiment, one or more or all of the lift arrangements include a ball base portion and a ball ramp portion. The ball base portion is configured to receive a golf ball as the golf ball passed through the return opening and into the ball lift. As the ball lift moves the golf ball upward and toward the top surface of the putting mat, the golf ball primarily remains in the ball base portion. After the golf ball has been lifted to or above a back portion of the putting mat (e.g., back edge of the putting mat), the golf ball is cause to move from the ball base portion and on to the ball ramp portion and then to continue to move along the length of the ball ramp portion until the ball exits an exit opening in the ball lift and onto the back portion of the putting mat. The ball lift can be configured such that when the golf ball moves from the ball base portion to the ball ramp portion, the golf ball continues movement along the length of the ball ramp portion (and optionally increases in speed as the golf ball moved along the length of the ball ramp portion) and does not stop movement until after the ball exits the exit opening in the ball lift. In one specific arrangement, the ball lift is configured to cause a golf ball that has been lifted from the ball well to exit the ball lift and on to the putt mat at or near the back edge of the putting mat, and to thereafter allow the golf ball to roll down the ramped portion of the putting mat and toward the front end of the putting, thereby causing the golf ball that has fallen into the ball well to be fed back toward the front end of the putting mat. In another non-limiting arrangement, the size of the exit opening is configured to allow a golf ball to pass through the exit opening. In another non-limiting arrangement, the maximum downward slope of the ball ramp portion as the golf ball rolls from the ball base portion and exits the exit opening is at least 1° (e.g., 1-45° and all values and ranges therebetween; 5-25°, etc.).

In another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, there is optionally provided a practice putting device wherein the practice putting device can optionally include one or more visual and/or audible devices to indicate a successful and/or unsuccessful put has occurred. Such visual and/or audible devices can include, but are not limited to, sound generator, light system, mechanical and/or motorized movement device that raises a flag or other indicator when the golf ball passes through the ball opening, etc.

In another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a practice putting device wherein there is optionally provided a golf hole adjustment arrangement that can be used to adjust the size of the golf hole opening through the putting mat. The golf hole adjustment arrangement can be configured to be operated manually, remotely, programming in the practice putting device, a switch in the practice putting device, etc. For example, the practice putting device can be configured to adjust the size of the golf hole opening a) after one or more golf balls have been detected as passing through the golf hole opening, b) after a certain time period, c) after a certain number of golf balls has been detected enter the ball well and/or ball lift, etc. In another example, the size of the golf ball opening can be manually or remotely adjusted by a user. The manner in which the size of the golf hole opening is adjusted is non-limiting. Generally, the size of the golf hole opening is 1.05-5 times (and all values and ranges therebetween) the diameter of the golf ball. In one non-limiting embodiment, the golf hole opening can be adjusted by placing one or more fixed sized or adjustable rings in the golf hole opening, using one or more flanges or other shaped pieces that can be moved to cause the size of the golf hole opening to change size. In one specific embodiment, the golf hole adjustment arrangement includes the use of a manual leveler that allows a user to move a sizing ring into and out of the golf hole opening so as to manually adjust the size of the golf hole opening.

None limiting features of the practice putting device include:

-   -   The putting mat folds-up for compact, quick, and easy storage.     -   The putting mat includes one or more weighted devices to ensure         that the putting mat lays flat on a floor surface.     -   A mounted bubble level can be optionally used on the housing to         indicate to a user whether the housing is sitting on flat, level         on a ground surface.     -   An optional ball switch that is configured to activate a light,         cause a sound (e.g., bell, clapping, cheer, etc.), activate a         counter, raise a flag, etc. when a golf ball passes through a         ball hole in the housing.     -   Ball return arrangement has slopes that capture the momentum of         the moving golf ball to expedite the ejection of the golf ball         from the housing and increase the speed that the golf ball moves         down the putting mat.     -   A ball lift arrangement that is configured to lift a golf ball         from a ball well to a top surface of the back end portion of the         putting mat.     -   An optional perimeter ring reducer that can be used to reduce         the cross-sectional area of the opening of the ball opening on         the housing.

One non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device that is easy to store and assembly for use, which does not damage the putting mat after multiple storages, and has a ball return arrangement that does not require the user to retrieve a golf ball after each put.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device that includes a putting mat, a housing, and ball return arrangement.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device wherein the putting mat is configured to be folded multiples times without damaging the putting mat.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device wherein the putting mat lays flat or substantially flat on a flat floor surface after being unfolded.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device wherein a top surface of the putting mat can optionally include a) a texture that simulates the surface of a putting green, and/or b) one or more colors, images, designs, etc. to enhance the visual appeal of the putting mat.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device wherein a top surface of the putting mat optionally include markings to provide information to the user when practice putting such as, but not limited to, a) distance markings and/or numbering to indicate the distance from the golf hole opening at the end portion of the putting mat, b) two parallel lines that are equal spaced from the center longitudinal axis of the putting mat, and/or c) a center line along the center longitudinal axis of the putting mat.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device wherein a front-end portion of the putting mat can optionally include a weighted device secured to the putting mat to facilitate in maintaining the flatness of the putting mat after being unrolled from the housing and/or to maintain the front portion of the putting mat flat on a floor surface after the putting mat is unrolled from the housing.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device wherein the putting mat and/or the weighted device can optionally include a connection arrangement (e.g., adhesive strip, hook and loop fastener, etc.) on the bottom surface of the putting mat and/or weighted device to facilitate in releasably securing the bottom surface of the putting mat and/or weighted device to a floor surface.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device wherein a top surface of the weighted device can have a sufficient size and/or configuration to support golf balls prior to the placing of the golf balls on the putting mat for practice putting.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device wherein the housing includes a ball well that is configured to receive a golf ball that has moved past the back end on the putting mat or a golf ball that has fallen through an optional golf ball opening that is located at or near the back-end portion of the putting mat. The golf ball opening can be spaced equally between the side edges of the putting mat, or be spaced closer to one side of the putting mat than the other side. The golf ball opening is generally circular shaped; however, other shapes can be used (e.g., oval, triangular, square, polygonal, etc.). The cross-sectional size of the golf ball opening is generally greater than the maximum cross-sectional area of the golf ball. In one non-limiting embodiment, the cross-sectional size of the golf ball opening is 1.1 to 5 times greater (and all values and ranges therebetween) than the maximum cross-sectional area of the golf ball. In another non-limiting embodiment, the shape and size of the golf ball opening can be the same or smaller than a PGA regulation shaped and size golf hole. The golf hole opening is generally spaced from the rear end of the putting mat (e.g., spaced 0.1-6 inches and all values and ranges therebetween) from the rear end of the putting mat. Generally, the golf hole opening is spaced from the sides of the putting mat.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device wherein the ball well is configured to capture all golf balls that pass through the opening in the putting mat and falls into the ball well, or the golf ball moves off the back end of the putting matt and into the ball well.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device wherein the practice putting device can optionally include one or more visual and/or audible devices to indicate a successful and/or unsuccessful put has occurred.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device that includes a mounted bubble level can be optionally used on the housing to indicate to a user whether the housing is sitting on flat, level on a ground surface.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device that includes an optional ball switch that is configured to activate a light, cause a sound (e.g., bell, clapping, cheer, etc.), activate a counter, raise a flag, etc. when a golf ball passes through a ball hole in the housing.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device that includes a putting mat wherein the one or both side edges includes a plurality of edge rails that are used to 1) facilitate in the folding of the putting mat, 2) facilitate in forming a flat putting surface when the putting mat is in the open and fully installed arrangement, and/or 3) facilitates in limiting the movement of the putting mat on a floor surface when the putting mat is in the open and fully installed arrangement.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device wherein the two or more edge rails that are positioned on a side edge of the putting mat are spaced from one another so as to facilitate in the folding of the putting mat between two adjacently positioned edge rails.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device wherein each side of the putting mat includes the same number of edge rails.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device wherein each side of the putting mat includes the same number of edge rails, the longitudinal length of the edge rails on each side of the putting mat are the same, and the positioning of the edge rails on each side of the putting mat are the same such that the edge rails are positioned opposite from one another along the longitudinal length of the putting mat.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device wherein the housing is configured to enable the rear end portion of the putting mat to be connected to the housing.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device that includes a housing, and wherein the housing includes a first side panel, a second side panel, an optional ramp, an optional back panel, and an optional spacer.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device wherein housing can be configured to be partially or fully disassembled when the practice putting device is to be stored.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device wherein the inner surface of the first and second side panels of the housing include one or more ramp supports to support a ramp that is positioned between the first and side panels when the housing is fully assemble.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device wherein the back panel and/or one or more spacers are configured to be connected to the first and second side panels to provide support and rigidity to the housing when the housing is fully assemble.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device the ramp includes a flat mount surface wherein an end portion of the putting mat is supported thereon when secured to the housing.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device wherein the ramp includes an opening that is configured to allow a golf ball to pass therethrough.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device wherein the back end of the putting mat and/or the back end of the ramp can form a rear a ball ledge that allows a ball that rolls past the ball ledge to optionally fall into a ball well.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device wherein the housing includes a ball well that is configured to receive a golf ball that has moved past the back end on the putting mat or a golf ball that has fallen through an optional golf ball opening that is located at or near the back-end portion of the putting mat.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device wherein the ball well can be configured to retain golf balls that have fallen into the ball well, or the ball well can be configured to feed a ball that has fallen into the ball well to a ball return arrangement of the practice putting device.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device wherein the ball well can include a bottom sloped surface to cause a ball that has fallen into the well to roll away from the second side panel and toward the first side panel.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device that includes a ball lift return arrangement for golf balls that have fallen into the ball well.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device wherein the bottom portion of the ball well is partially for fully formed of a base plate wherein all or a portion of the top surface of the base plate slope toward the ball lift return arrangement.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device wherein the base plate includes a ball channel that is configured to feed a golf ball to a bottom feed opening in the ball lift return arrangement.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device wherein the ball lift return arrangement includes a ball lift, a motor, a power source, and optional sensor and/or activation arrangement.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device wherein the ball lift is configured to lift a golf from the ball well and deposit the golf ball onto a top surface of the putting mat that is located on the ramp.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device wherein the motor is configured to cause rotation or otherwise movement of the ball lift.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device wherein the optional sensor and/or activation arrangement of the ball lift return arrangement is configured to activate and/or deactivate the motor.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device wherein the sensor arrangement of the ball lift return arrangement is configured to detect i) if a golf ball has fallen through the golf hole opening in the putting mat, ii) if a golf ball has fallen into the ball well, iii) is a golf ball has contacted the base plate, and/or iv) if a golf ball is rolling toward or has rolled into the ball lift; and upon detection of any one of i-iv events, causes the motor to be activated and/or deactivated.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device wherein the ball lift return arrangement includes a motor operation limiter to terminate power to the motor or otherwise stop the motor from further rotating the ball lift after a) a certain amount of time of operation of the motor after activation, and/or b) the ball lift has rotated or moved a certain amount.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device wherein the ball lift includes a return opening that allows the golf ball to move from the ball well and into a portion of the ball lift.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device wherein the ball well forms a downward sloped ramped portion to cause the golf ball to roll downwardly toward the return opening in the ball lift and to facilitate in causing the golf ball to pass through the return opening and into at least a portion of the ball lift.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device wherein the ball lift includes one of more lift arrangements that are each configured to receive a golf ball that has passed through the return opening and to carry a golf ball up to or above a top surface of the putting mat and thereafter allow the golf ball to exit the lift arrangement and roll onto a top surface of the back portion of the putting mat.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device wherein the ball lift is in the form of a wheel that can rotate relative to the housing.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device wherein the ball lift is configured to cause a golf ball that has been lifted from the ball well to exit the ball lift and on to the putt mat at or near the back edge of the putting mat, and to thereafter allow the golf ball to roll down the ramped portion of the putting mat and toward the front end of the putting, thereby causing the golf ball that has fallen into the ball well to be fed back toward the front end of the putting mat.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device that includes a golf hole adjustment arrangement that can be used to adjust the size of the golf hole opening through the putting mat.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device wherein the golf hole adjustment arrangement can be configured to adjust the size of the golf hole opening a) after one or more golf balls have been detected as passing through the golf hole opening, b) after a certain time period, c) after a certain number of golf balls has been detected enter the ball well and/or ball lift, etc.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the present disclosure is the provision of a portable practice putting device wherein the golf hole opening can be adjusted by placing one or more fixed sized or adjustable rings in the golf hole opening, using one or more flanges or other shaped pieces that can be moved to cause the size of the golf hole opening to change size.

Other objects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one non-limiting practice putting device in the open and operational position in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIGS. 2-5 are enlarged front perspective views of the housing and rear portion of the putting mat of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the front portion of the housing and rear portion of the putting mat of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged front perspective view of the front portion of the putting mat of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the housing and rear portion of the putting mat of FIG. 1 ; and

FIG. 9 illustrated the practice putting device in the stored position.

DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENTS

A more complete understanding of the articles/devices, processes and components disclosed herein can be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings. These figures are merely schematic representations based on convenience and the ease of demonstrating the present disclosure and are, therefore, not intended to indicate relative size and dimensions of the devices or components thereof and/or to define or limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments.

Although specific terms are used in the following description for the sake of clarity, these terms are intended to refer only to the particular structure of the embodiments selected for illustration in the drawings and are not intended to define or limit the scope of the disclosure. In the drawings and the following description below, it is to be understood that like numeric designations refer to components of like function.

The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used in the specification and in the claims, the term “comprising” may include the embodiments “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.” The terms “comprise(s),” “include(s),” “having,” “has,” “can,” “contain(s),” and variants thereof, as used herein, are intended to be open-ended transitional phrases, terms, or words that require the presence of the named ingredients/steps and permit the presence of other ingredients/steps. However, such description should be construed as also describing compositions or processes as “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” the enumerated ingredients/steps, which allows the presence of only the named ingredients/steps, along with any unavoidable impurities that might result therefrom, and excludes other ingredients/steps.

Numerical values in the specification and claims of this application should be understood to include numerical values which are the same when reduced to the same number of significant figures and numerical values which differ from the stated value by less than the experimental error of conventional measurement technique of the type described in the present application to determine the value.

All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the recited endpoint and independently combinable (for example, the range of “from 2 grams to 10 grams” is inclusive of the endpoints, 2 grams and 10 grams, and all the intermediate values).

The terms “about” and “approximately” may be used to include any numerical value that can vary without changing the basic function of that value. When used with a range, “about” and “approximately” also disclose the range defined by the absolute values of the two endpoints, e.g., “about 2 to about 4” also discloses the range “from 2 to 4.” Generally, the terms “about” and “approximately” may refer to plus or minus 10% of the indicated number.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating non-limiting embodiments of the disclosure only and not for the purpose of limiting the same, there is illustrated in FIGS. 1-9 a practice putting device in accordance with the present disclosure.

The practice putting device 100 in accordance with the present disclosure includes a rollable putting mat 110, a housing 200, and ball return arrangement 300. The practice putting device is used by a user to practice putting of a golf ball GB by use of a golf club GC such as a putter.

The putting mat 110 can be formed of any type of flexible material (e.g., fabric, plastic, rubber, polyurethane foam, PVC, etc.). The putting mat 110 is configured to be folded multiples times without damaging the putting mat.

The putting mat 110 can be formed of a material that has little or no memory so that after the putting mat is unrolled, the putting mat lays flat on a flat floor surface F.

The length and width of the putting mat 110 is non-limiting. The length of the putting mat is generally 3-15 feet. The width of the putting mat is generally 0.4-3 feet. The thickness of the putting mat is generally 0.05-0.75 inches. The thickness and material used to form the putting mat is generally selected so that the putting mat can be easily rolled on the housing and unrolled from the housing. Generally, the thickness along the 70-100% of the longitudinal length of the putting mat and 70-100% of the width of the putting mat remains constant. The longitudinal sides along the longitudinal length of the putting mat are generally parallel to one another along 70-100% of the longitudinal length of the putting mat. The thickness of the putting mat along the longitudinal length of the putting mat is generally constant along 70-100% of the longitudinal length of the putting mat.

The top surface 112 of the putting mat 110 can include a texture that simulates the surface of a putting green. In another non-limiting embodiment, the top surface 112 of the putting mat 112 can include one or more colors, images, designs, etc. to enhance the visual appeal of the putting mat. As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the top surface 112 of the putting mat can include markings to provide information to the user when practice putting. Such marking can include distance markings 114, one or more lines 116 along the longitudinal length of the putting mat 110 to inform a user how straight the putted golf ball GB travels along the putting mat, markings to indicate one or more targets on the putting mat, etc. As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the top surface 112 includes a) distance markings and/or numbering 114 to indicate the distance from the golf hole opening at the end portion of the putting mat, b) two parallel lines 116 that are equal spaced from the center longitudinal axis of the putting mat, and c) a center line 118 (See FIG. 1 ) along the center longitudinal axis of the putting mat.

The putting mat can optionally include a weighted device 150 secured to the putting mat to facilitate in maintaining the flatness of the putting mat after being unrolled from the housing and/or to maintain the front portion of the putting mat flat on a floor surface after the putting mat is unrolled from the housing. The weighted device 150 can be a metal, plastic, composite device that is secure to the front edge of the putting mat 110. The weighted device is generally formed of a different material from the putting mat.

The weighted device 150 generally has a length along the longitudinal axis of the putting mat that generally 1-10% the longitudinal length to the putting mat.

The weighted device 150 can optionally include a connection arrangement (e.g., adhesive strip, hook and loop fastener, etc.) on the bottom surface of the weighted device to facilitate in releasably securing the bottom surface of the weighted device to a floor surface (e.g., carpet, tile floor, wood floor, ceramic floor, vinyl floor, etc.).

The top surface of the weighted device can be configured to support golf balls G prior to the placing of the golf balls on the putting mat for practice putting.

The side edges 120 of the putting mat 110 includes a plurality of edge rails 130 that are used to 1) facilitate in the folding of the putting mat, 2) facilitate in forming a flat putting surface when the putting mat is in the open and fully installed arrangement, and/or 3) facilitates in limiting the movement of the putting mat on a floor surface when the putting mat is in the open and fully installed arrangement.

The edge rails 130 are illustrated as spaced from one another so as to facilitate in the folding of the putting mat 110 between two adjacently positioned edge rails as illustrated in FIG. 9 . The spacing of the adjacently positioned edge rails along the side edge 120 of the putting mat 110 can be the same. Each side of the putting mat generally includes the same number of edge rails. The longitudinal length of the edge rails on each side of the putting mat is generally the same, and the positioning of the edge rails on each side of the putting mat are the same such that the edge rails are positioned opposite from one another along the longitudinal length of the putting mat. In such an edge rail arrangement, sections of the putting mat can be folded at the region between the spacing of the edge rails and then stacked upon one another so as to position the putting mat in storage position as illustrated in FIG. 9 . A storage bag or container SB can be optionally used to store the components of the practice putting device 100. The spacing of the adjacently positioned edge rails from one another can be about 0.1-0.5 inches; however, other spacing can be used. The width of the edge rails is generally about 0.1-1 inches (and all values and ranges therebetween) or about 0.2-5% the width of the putting mat. The cross-sectional shape, length and/or size of each of the edge rails is generally the same and are constant along a longitudinal length of the edge rail; however, this is not required. The material used to form the edge rails is generally a different material from the material used to form the putting mat. The material used to form the edge rails is generally not non-rollable or non-foldable material, and is generally less flexible and less bendable than the material used to form the putting mat.

The housing 200 is configured to enable the rear end portion of the putting mat 110 to be connected to the housing. The putting mat can be permanently or removable connected to the housing.

Generally, the housing has a size, shape and weight that makes is easily portable by an individual (e.g., can be lifted and carried by a single hand of a user). Generally, the weight of the housing is less than 20 lbs. Generally, the volume of the housing is less than 3000 in.³. Generally, the housing can be easily partially or fully disassembled and reassembled multiple times.

As best illustrated in FIG. 8 , the housing 200 includes a first side panel 210, a second side panel 220, a ramp 230, a back panel 240, and a spacer 250. The housing can be configured to be partially or fully disassembled when the practice putting device is to be stored; however, this is not required. The materials used to form one or more components of the housing are non-limiting. The first side panel 210, second side panel 220, back panel 240, and/or spacer 250 can optionally include one or more connection openings 202 and/or slots 204 to facilitate in the connection of the parts together during the assembly of the housing.

The inner surface of each of the first and second side panels 210, 220 include one or more ramp supports 212 to support the sides of ramp 230 when the ramp is positioned between the first and side panels when the housing is fully assembled.

The back panel 240 and the spacer 250 are configured to be connected to the first and second side panels to provide support and rigidity to the housing when the housing is fully assemble. The type of connection is non-limiting (e.g., (e.g., adhesive, clamp arrangement, screws, rivet, staples, slot connection, hook and loop fastener, etc.).

The ramp 230 includes a flat mount surface 232 wherein an end portion of the putting mat is supported thereon when secured to the housing. The end portion of the putting matt can be permanently connected or removably connected to the ramp and/or other portion of the housing. The type of connection is non-limiting (e.g., adhesive, clamp arrangement, screws, rivet, staples, hook and loop fastener, etc.).

The ramp 230 generally has a width that extends 80-100% the width between the inner surface of the first and second side panels when the housing is fully assembled.

The ramp can include a front lip 234 that is used to engage one or more ramp supports 212 to inhibit or prevent the ramp sliding down on the ramp supports. The size and shape of the front lip is non-limiting. Generally the lip angles downward from a top surface of the ramp at an angle of about 45-160° (and all values and ranges therebetween; 80-110°, etc.). The length of the front lip is generally at least 0.1% (e.g., 0.1-10% and all values and ranges therebetween) the longitudinal length of the ramp.

The ramp is illustrated as including a front portion 236 and a rear portion 238 that are angled to one another (e.g., an angle of 1-30° and all values ad ranges therebetween); however, this is not required. The front portion is illustrated as having a shorter longitudinal length than the rear portion; however, this is not required.

The front portion 236 of the ramp 230 includes a ramp opening 239 that is configured to allow a golf ball to pass therethrough. When the rear portion of the putting mat is positioned on the ramp 230, the mat opening 119 in the putting mat overlies and/or encircles the ramp opening 239 in the ramp as illustrated in FIG. 1 . As can be appreciated, the size and/or shape of opening 119 in the putting mat and ramp opening 239 in the ramp can be the same; however, this is not required. In one non-limiting embodiment, the opening in the putting mat and/or the ramp is configured to receive a golf ball.

When the housing is fully assembled, the back end of the putting mat 110 and/or the back end of the ramp 230 can form a rear a ball ledge 260 that allows a ball that rolls past the ball ledge to optionally fall into a ball well 270. As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the ramp and back edge of the putting mat are spaced from the inner surface of the back panel of the housing such that a golf ball can drop between the back end of the ramp and/or back edge of the putting mat and the inner surface of the back panel.

The ball well 270 that is configured to receive a golf ball that has moved past back end of the ramp and/or back edge of the putting mat or a golf ball that has fallen through the mat opening 119 and ramp opening 230. The ball well can be configured to retain golf balls that have fallen into the ball well, or the ball well can be configured to feed a ball that has fallen into the ball well to the ball return arrangement 300. The ball well is formed by the inner surface of the first and second side panels, the inner surface of the back panel and a base plate 280.

The ball well can include a bottom sloped surface to cause a ball that has fallen into the well to roll away from the second side panel and toward the first side panel. The base plate can be mounted between the first and second side panels so as to a ball that has fallen into the well and on to a top surface of the base panel to roll away from the second side panel and toward the first side panel; however, this is not required.

The ball well can be configured to include one or more sloping surfaces at the base of the ball well and/or include one or more ramped and/or sloped structures in the base of the ball well to cause a golf ball that falls into the ball well to move toward the ball lift return arrangement when the housing is fully assembled.

As illustrated in FIG. 8 the base plate 280 includes a ball channel that is configured to feed a golf ball to a bottom feed opening 320 of the ball lift 310 of the ball lift return arrangement 300. The depth of the ball channel can vary along the longitudinal length of the ball channel. As illustrated in FIG. 8 , the ball channel has a straight portion and a curved portion along the longitudinal length of the ball channel.

A portion or all of the ball lift return arrangement 300 is connected to the first side panel of the housing. The ball lift return arrangement includes a ball lift 310, a motor 330, a power source 340, and sensor and/or activation arrangement 350.

The ball lift 310 is configured to lift a golf from the ball well 270 and deposit the golf ball onto a top surface of the putting mat 110 that is located on the ramp 230. The ball lift is illustrated as in the form of a wheel that can rotate relative to the housing as illustrated by the arrows in FIG. 6 ; however, other arrangement can be used.

The motor 330 is configured to cause rotation of the ball lift 310. The motor can be an electric motor. One or gears, belts, screw drives, etc. (not shown) can be used with the motor to facilitate in the rotation of the ball lift.

The power source 340 is configured to power the motor. The power source can include one or more batteries, a power cord that supplies power from a power outlet, power generator, etc.

The optional sensor and/or activation arrangement 350 is configured to activate and/or deactivate the motor 330. The activation arrangement includes a manual switch (as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 ) that allows the user to manually turn the motor off and/or on. As can be appreciated, the senor and/or activation arrangement can also or alternatively include a) a remote-control switch that can receive a wireless signal from a remote control, smart phone, computer, smart device, etc. to allow a user to turn the motor off and/or on, b) an arrangement configured to detect i) if a golf ball has fallen through the golf hole opening in the putting mat, ii) if a golf ball has fallen into the ball well, iii) is a golf ball has contacted the base plate, and/or iv) if a golf ball is rolling toward or has rolled into the ball lift; and upon detection of any one of i-iv events, causes the motor to be activated and/or deactivated; and/or c) one or more of a motion sensor, weight sensor, movable leveler, pressure switch, contact switch, optical sensor, sound sensor, vibration sensor, etc. that upon detection of a golf ball causes activation and/or deactivation of the motor.

A motor operation limiter can be used to terminate power to the motor or otherwise stop the motor from further rotating the ball lift after a) a certain time of operation of the motor after activation, and/or b) the ball lift has rotated or otherwise moved for a certain amount.

As illustrated in FIG. 8 , the ball lift 310 includes a return opening 320 that allows the golf ball to move from the ball well and into a portion of the ball lift. The return opening is located on the side face of the ball lift.

The ball lift includes a first side face that is connected to the first side panel, a second side face that includes the return opening 320, and a lift system that includes one of more lift arrangements 312 that are each configured to receive a golf ball that has passed through the return opening and to carry a golf ball up to or above a top surface of the putting mat and thereafter allow the golf ball to exit the lift arrangement and roll onto a top surface of the back portion of the putting mat. Each of the lift arrangements include a ball base portion 314 and a ball ramp portion 316. The lift system is rotatable between the first and second side panels of the ball lift.

The ball base portion of each of the lift arrangements is configured to receive a golf ball as the golf ball passed through the return opening and into the ball lift. As the ball lift moves the golf ball upward and toward the top surface of the putting mat, the golf ball primarily remains in the ball base portion. After the golf ball has been lifted to or above a back portion of the putting mat, the golf ball is cause to move from the ball base portion and on to the ball ramp portion and then to continue to move along the length of the ball ramp portion until the ball exits an exit opening 318 in the ball lift and onto the back portion of the putting mat. A portion of the ball base portion 314 can include a curved surface that accommodates a portion of the golf ball when positioned in the ball base portion. The longitudinal length of the ball ramp portion 310 is illustrated as being longer than the ball base portion (e.g., 1.5-8 times longer and all values and range therebetween).

The ball lift can be configured such that when the golf ball moves from the ball base portion to the ball ramp portion, the golf ball continues movement along the length of the ball ramp portion (and optionally increases in speed as the golf ball moved along the length of the ball ramp portion) and does not stop movement until after the ball exits the exit opening in the ball lift and on to the putt mat at or near the back edge of the putting mat, and to thereafter allows the golf ball to roll down the ramped portion of the putting mat and toward the front end of the putting, thereby causing the golf ball that has fallen into the ball well to be fed back toward the front end of the putting mat as illustrated in FIGS. 2-6 .

As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 6 , the top surface of the back portion of the putting mat, when connected to the fully assembled housing, is illustrated as positioned below a top edge of the first side panel along 10-100% (and all values and ranges therebetween) the longitudinal length of the top edge of the first side panel. Such an arrangement facilitates in maintain the golf ball on the side portion of the putting mat as the golf ball exits the ball lift and rolls down the ramp region of the rear portion of the putting mat.

The practice putting device optionally include one or more visual and/or audible devices (not shown) to indicate a successful and/or unsuccessful put has occurred. Such visual and/or audible devices can include, but are not limited to, sound generator, light system, mechanical and/or motorized movement device that raises a flag or other indicator when the golf ball passes through the ball opening, etc.

The practice putting device can optionally incudes a golf hole adjustment arrangement 360 that can be used to adjust the size of the ramp opening 239 and/or mat opening 119. The golf hole adjustment arrangement can be configured to be operated manually, remotely, programming in the practice putting device, a switch in the practice putting device, etc. As illustrated in FIG. 8 , the golf hole adjustment arrangement 360 includes a handle 362, a size ring 366, and a body 364 that extends between the handle and size ring. The size of the golf hole opening can be adjusted by positioning the size ring 366 in the golf hole opening. FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the movement of the handle to cause the body 364 to side in slot 211 in the first side panel 210 to position the size ring in and out of the ramp opening 239 and/or mat opening 119 so as to adjust the size of the opening.

In various embodiments disclosed herein, a single component can be replaced by multiple components and multiple components can be replaced by a single component to perform a given function or functions. Except where such substitution would not be operative, such substitution is within the intended scope of the embodiments.

Additional features and methods of operation of the practice putting device are included in the figures.

A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

Disclosed are materials, systems, devices, methods, compositions, and components that can be used for, can be used in conjunction with, can be used in preparation for, or are products of the disclosed methods, systems, and devices. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutations of these components may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein. For example, if a device is disclosed and discussed each and every combination and permutation of the device, and the modifications that are possible are specifically contemplated unless specifically indicated to the contrary. Likewise, any subset or combination of these is also specifically contemplated and disclosed. This concept applies to all aspects of this disclosure including, but not limited to, steps in methods using the disclosed systems or devices. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed, it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific method steps or combination of method steps of the disclosed methods, and that each such combination or subset of combinations is specifically contemplated and should be considered disclosed.

To aid the Patent Office and any readers of this application and any resulting patent in interpreting the claims appended hereto, Applicant does not intend any of the appended claims or claim elements to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the words “means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim. 

What is claimed:
 1. A practice putting device that includes a putting mat, a housing, and a ball lift return arrangement; said putting mat configured to be connected to said housing; said putting mat including a golf hole opening to enable a golf ball to pass through said golf hole opening and into a ball well of said housing; said ball lift return arrangement includes a ball unit and a drive mechanism; said drive mechanism configured to cause said ball lift to lift a golf ball from said ball well in said housing and to deposit the golf ball on a top surface of said putting mat.
 2. The practice putting device as defined in claim 1, wherein a top surface of said putting mat includes markings to provide information to a user; said marking include one or more of distance markings, one or more lines along the longitudinal length of the putting mat to inform a user how straight a putted golf ball travels along said putting mat, and/or markings to indicate one or more targets on the putting mat.
 3. The practice putting device as defined in claim 1, wherein a front-end portion of said putting mat includes a weighted device to facilitate in maintaining the flatness of said front end portion of said putting mat on a floor surface.
 4. The practice putting device as defined in claim 1, wherein said ball well that is configured to receive a golf ball that has moved past a back end of said putting mat or has fallen through a golf ball opening located at or near a back-end portion of said putting mat; said ball well is configured to a) temporarily retain golf balls that have fallen into said ball well, or b) cause the golf ball in said ball well to be fed said ball lift return arrangement.
 5. The practice putting device as defined in claim 1, wherein said ball well includes a) a bottom sloped surface to cause the golf ball to roll toward said ball lift return arrangement, and/or b) a channel to cause the golf ball to roll toward said ball lift return arrangement.
 6. The practice putting device as defined in claim 1, wherein said ball lift return arrangement includes a return opening; said return opening configured to enable a golf ball to exit said ball well and to move into an interior of said ball lift return arrangement.
 7. The practice putting device as defined in claim 1, wherein said putting mat includes a plurality of edge rails on one or both side edges of said putting mat; said plurality of edge rails used to a) facilitate in folding of the putting mat, 2) facilitate in forming a flat putting surface when said putting mat is in the open and fully installed arrangement, and/or 3) facilitates in limiting movement of said putting mat on a floor surface when said putting mat is in the open and fully installed arrangement.
 8. The practice putting device as defined in claim 7, wherein said edge rails one or more side edges of said putting mat are spaced from one another so as to facilitate in folding of said putting mat between two adjacently positioned edge rails.
 9. The practice putting device as defined in claim 1, wherein said housing includes a first side panel, a second side panel, and one or more of a ramp, a back panel, and a spacer.
 10. The practice putting device as defined in claim 9, wherein an inner surface of one or both of said first and second side panels includes one or more ramp supports to support one or both sides of said ramp when said ramp is positioned between said first and side panels.
 11. The practice putting device as defined in claim 10, wherein said ramp includes a front lip used to engage one or more of said ramp supports to inhibit or prevent said ramp from sliding down on said ramp supports.
 12. The practice putting device as defined in claim 1, wherein said ball lift includes a first side face, a second side face, and a lift system that is moveable between said first and second side faces; said lift system includes one of more lift arrangements that are each configured to receive a golf ball that has passed through a return opening in said ball lift and to carry a golf ball up to or above a top surface of said putting mat.
 13. The practice putting device as defined in claim 12, wherein said lift system is rotatable between the first and second side panels of the ball lift.
 14. The practice putting device as defined in claim 12, wherein each of said lift arrangements include a ball base portion and a ball ramp portion; a portion of said ball base portion includes a curved surface; a longitudinal length of said ball ramp portion is longer than a longitudinal length of said ball base portion.
 15. The practice putting device as defined in claim 1, further including a golf hole adjustment arrangement configured to adjust a size of a golf opening in said putting mat.
 16. The practice putting device as defined in claim 15, wherein said golf hole adjustment arrangement includes a handle, a size ring, and a body that extends between said handle and said size ring; said size ring configured to be removably positioned in said golf hole opening to adjust said size of said golf hole opening. 